Best of 2013 - ALBUMS

Here they are, to close the fascinating year 2013, my favourite albums!!!  Synth pop running rampant, per the usual.  The battle for my #1 album of the year went all the way up until this afternoon!  The winner...MARNIE!!!  Some will scream blasphemy, but it's better than any Ladytron album!  I don't care, I love it!!

1. Marnie - Crystal World

2. The Magic Theatre - The Long Way Home

 3. Ejecta - Dominae

 4. Silver Swans - Touch

5. The Ballet - I Blame Society 

6. Future Bible Heroes - Partygoing 

7. Little Boots - Nocturnes

 8. Suede - Bloodsports

9. Pet Shop Boys - Electric

 10. Still Corners - Strange Pleasures

and...

11. Victoria and Jacob - Victoria and Jacob
12. Club 8 - Above the City
13. Frankie Rose - Herein Wild
14. Sally Shapiro - Somewhere Else
15. Bloodgroup - Tracing Echoes
16. io Echo - Ministry of Love
17. The Boy Least Likely To - The Great Perhaps
18. Section 25 - Dark Light
19. Goldfrapp - Tales of Us
20. Julia Holter - Loud City Song
21. Young Galaxy - Ultramarine
22. Feathers - If All Now Here
23. Everyday Mistakes - Obscure Lanes
24. Polly Scattergood - Arrows
25. V V Brown - Samson & Delilah
26. Touché - It's Fate
27. Minks - Tides End
28. Marsheaux - Inhale
29. Rainbow Arabia - FM Sushi
30. Fear of Men - Early Fragments
31. Husky Rescue - The Long Lost Friend
32. NYPC - NYPC
33. Scott Matthew - Unlearned
34. Camera Obscura - Desire Lines
35. Selebrities - Lovely Things
36. Porcelain Raft - Permanent Signal
37. Terror Bird - All This Time
38. Mitzi - Truly Alive
39. David Bowie - The Next Day
40. The Carrots - New Romance

Best of 2013 - Songs - Part 2

Here is Part 2 of my favourite songs of the year!!  This mix is also featured on YouTube for your listening pleasure thanks to Rockyboo!  This is a tad bit moodier than Part 1.

SONG of the YEAR:  Gold by Marnie
COVER of the YEAR:  Hello Stranger by Julia Holter



1. Suede - Barriers
2. Empress Of - Hat Trick
3. Mood Rings - The Line
4. Bloodgroup -  Fall
5. Still Corners - All I Know
6. Marsheaux - To the End
7. Mitzi - Who Will Love You Now
8. Ejecta - Afraid of the Dark
9. Julia Holter - This Is a True Heart
10. The Magic Theatre - I Want to Die by Your Side
11. Julia Holter - Hello Stranger
12. Giorgio Tuma with Laetitia Sadier - Anna, My Dear
13. The Ballet - Is Anybody Out There?
14. David Bowie - Where Are We Now?
15. Marnie - Gold

Best of 2013 - Songs - Part 1

Here are the first half of my favourite songs of the year!!  Rockyboo made this cute little YouTube video for the mix I made so EVERYONE can dance and party along!!  Part 2 coming tomorrow!!!



Tracklisting:
1. Future Bible Heroes - Keep Your Children in a Coma
2. Future Bible Heroes - Living, Loving, Partygoing
3. Rainbow Chan - Skinny Dipping
4. Summer Camp - Fresh
5. Neon Neon - Shopping (I Like To)
6. Janelle Monáe - Dance Apocalyptic
7. io Echo - When the Lillies Die
8. Young Galaxy - Pretty Boy
9. Ejecta - Jeremiah
10. Rainbow Arabia - Lacking Risk
11. Victoria and Jacob - Festival
12. Sally Shapiro - What Can I Do
13. V V Brown - The Apple
14. Club 8 - Stop Taking My Time
15. Annie - Invisible
16. Pet Shop Boys - Vocal

The Best of 2013 - Videos

Posting as much as I do here at Ooberus Oblivious has allowed me to see A LOT of videos.  These represent my faves and they really run the gamut.  There's silly, there's beauty, there's religion, there's heartbreak, there's feminism, there's murder, there's love... and I love them all...
My favourite videos of 2013:

The Best of 2013 - Film

Rockyboo and I saw A LOT of movies this year.  80+ in the theatre alone!  
While there was only ONE movie that truly blew my mind this year, there are still some pretty damn good ones.  Other than the ONE though, nothing I'll forever hold as a classic.  
Acting awards should be awarded to Cate Blanchett and Matthew McConaughey.  I would have said myself, but damn, he was good this year.  
My favourite films of 2013...

1. Slayánce

  

2. her 

3. Prisoners

4. What Maisie Knew

5. Blue Jasmine

6. Mud

7. Dallas Buyers Club

8. You're Next

 

9. Blackfish

 10. Disconnect

The Best of 2013 - EPs

This is the easiest place for me to start this year ... these 10 EPs are a sure joy.  The main theme of POP runs through them all, whether it be synth pop, dream pop, indie pop, baroque pop, moody dark pop...I just want POP to be a part of everything!!  No explanation needed, these are all just lovely.

1. Annie - A&R EP

2. GEMS - Medusa

3. Astral Pattern - Light Poems

4. Empress Of - Systems

5. Rose Elinor Dougall - Future Vanishes

 6. Rainbow Chan - Long Vacation

7. The Just Joans - 6.9 Love Songs

8. Maglia Rosa Group - Nighthawks 

 9. Haerts - Hemiplegia

10. The Irrepressibles - Nude : Landscapes

Young Galaxy / Boney M - Little Drummer Boy

Happy Xmas and whatever else you may be celebrating on this fine day off of work!
Sorry for no post yesterday, but here's Young Galaxy's lovely little rendition of a Christmas classic!

And starting tomorrow, my annual YEAR END BEST OF LISTS!!!

2023 EDIT!
Young Galaxy's "Little Drummer Boy" has been REMOVED from the internet so here's Boney M doing it!!!

Röyksopp - Twenty Thirteen ft. Jamie Irrepressible

Yes! and thank you Röyksopp!  2014 is looking quite promising for you ... and ROBYN!  YES!!!

Bucks Fizz - Making Your Mind Up

I don't have anything new today, so I'll post about BUCKS FIZZ!!  Thanks to my sis-miss-Crys, who discovered their joyousness today!!!
They won the Eurovision contest with this here song back in 1981!!  Watch that skirt rip and learn!!!

Julia Holter - Hello Stranger

BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL!!
The best cover of the year 2013!
This live version is even more emotional than the beautiful album version.

Hi-Fashion - Freak Your Halls (At the Office Partay)

BAD ASS VIDEO!!!  It's almost Christmastime!  Thank you Hi-Fashion!!

Blouse - A Feeling Like This

Lovely new video from Blouse!  I sadly missed them when they stopped by LA in September.  I hope they come back!  I'm totally digging their latest album "Imperium"!  And this video has some serious credits!

Tesla Boy - Broken Doll

Here's the recently posted new video from sexy Russians Tesla Boy!  A very sultry little video indeed!!

Alaska Thunderfuck - Ru Girl

LOVE IT!  And I can't wait for Season 6!!  Team Bianca & Kelly!!

Cinerama - I Wake Up Screaming

I almost fell off my chair when I read that Cinerama released a NEW single!  I do wish "I Wake Up Screaming" sounded more like the classic Cinerama albums of their early years and less like Wedding Present's-about-to-reunite-Cinerama, but I'll take new Cinerama any way I can get it!  The lyrics are still there!

Molly Nilsson - The Power Ballad

Oh Molly!  This is just like seeing her live!  I wish I was on this train!!  Love this video, love this song!  Love you Molly Nilsson!!

Warpaint - Love Is to Die

Based on the first couple tracks I've heard from Warpaint's follow-up to their excellent debut, I'm quite excited to hear "Warpaint" now!!  It comes out Jan 20!

Kaleida

Norway and Germany combine to make delicious little pop treats!!  Yummmm!!
Kaleida is a new group releasing this track this year.  An EP is expected soon...

V V Brown - Samson ... The Apple ...

Yes, V V Brown's new album "Samson and Delilah" is pure-awesomeness!  Two of the best tracks (especially my favourite "The Apple") combine to make parts 1 & 2 of VV's short film "Samson"...where is this story going??  I love it!

Theoretical Girl - Advent Calendar 2013

She's at it again!  The always amazing Theoretical Girl is covering her little heart out for the month of December, and here are a few of the newest gems!!  Also, she has a new EP coming out in January!!  I am so so so excited for that one!!

Postiljonen - Supreme

I can't believe I haven't posted about Postiljonen yet!  Their album "Skyer" is great!!  POP!

Rex the Dog - Do You Feel What I Feel

I can't believe this has eluded my ears for so long.  This was released back in May!  I've only really heard of Rex the Dog from his remixes of The Knife.  This is my first time hearing his own music, here with the vocal help of Jamie Irrepressible, and it is quite disco-tastic!!!

Wendy Ho - Ho for the Holidays

A new Christmas classic has emerged in Wendy Ho's new holiday masterpiece "Ho for the Holidays"!  "Proud Virgin Mary" is my favourite track!  The whole thing is great and hilarious!

Eyedress

Here's another SisMiss-Crys recommendation I highly enjoy!  Eyedress is from the Philippines and makes some nice dreamy pop, especially this newly released track below...

Blessa - Between Times

Just today I've been blessa'd by awesome SisMiss Crystal with this awesome 90's indie pop tinged delight by Blessa!!  It's their first release and it's available as a 7" from No Self Records!  I've already ordered a copy for both of us!!  You should too!!

Nathalie - My Love Won't Let You Down

In my endless search for old Vanessa vinyl, I came across Nathalie!!   It's impossible not to spin and shake to this pop-trash gem!!!

And see her perform the same song live and really get this crowd movin'!!!

Gap Dream - Shine Your Light

Gap Dream released their new album "Shine Your Light" in the middle of November on Burger Records and here's a fine example of the pop within...


Thank you Mukta & the Burger Records dudes!

Cher - Take It Like a Man (7th Heaven Remix)

It is impossible for me not to post this subtle video for Cher's newest single "Take It Like a Man"!

Little Boots - Satellite

I missed this video's release back in September but here it is, Little Boots "Satellite"!!  LOVE!!

Music Go Music - Love Is All I Can Hear

YAY!!  Music Go Music is finally releasing new music!  They haven't released anything since their 2009 EP-compilaton "Expressions" but 2014 will see their new album "Impressions"!!
This new track is fantastic!!!

La Casa Azul - La Fiesta Universal

The latest video offering off of La Casa Azul's latest album "La Polinesia Meridional" (2011)!

Sky Ferreira - Night Time, My Time

I've only heard Sky Ferreira's new album "Night Time, My Time" a couple times, and right now it's feeling like a fairly bottom-heavy album. The title track presented here is a slow-burning beauty that closes out the album.  

Rosemary - I Know

Sorta continuing from where the "Hurt Me" video left off, here's the next video from Rosemary's latest EP "Pomegranate"!!  There's definitely A LOT more happening here, and it's just as perfectly creepy!!

Margaret Berger - I Feed You My Love (US Video!)

While there obviously wasn't a whole lot of money invested in the making of this video, I'm so very happy that Margaret Berger is finally getting some music released stateside!  She is awesome and her new album is highly anticipated!!!

Phosphor - Rotary

MORE goth pop!!!  Phosphor is another English band.  They released their debut LP "Youth and Immortality" in March of this year.

Keluar - Ennoea

Keluar is the new band from Linea Aspera's vocalist and it's more goth pop groove loveliness!
They released their "Ennoea" EP on Desire Records earlier this year.

Linea Aspera - Malarone

Just heard Linea Aspera on KXLU-DJ Mukta's show this week.  I love the synthy goth pop magic!  So sad to find out they broke up this year.  I'll be posting about the lead singer's new band tomorrow, so yayyyy...not gone completely!

Young Galaxy - Crying My Heart Out

Not sure how Young Galaxy are producing such great videos one after the other, but I hope they never stop!!!  This is the opening track from the "Ultramarine" deluxe edition!  LOVE IT!!

Deptford Goth - Union

I love this pop track from Deptford Goth!  They played at the Echo a couple nights ago.  Might have been nice to see them!  I knew about it, but I'm getting old!

Rosemary - Hurt Me

YAYYYY Rosemary is back!!  Here's the first video from their just released EP "Pomegranate"!!  I'm so excited.  Rosemary's debut EP is stunning and this is the first music since...

Landing

Just discovered the nice "goth-poppy" sound of this Landing track and I totally dig it!  They've released the "II" EP on limited edition cassette this year and just finished their 15th anniversary tour!  I feel so behind!!

Austra - Forgive Me

Another new video from the "Olympia" era of Austra.  There are some kinky little scenes in this here video!

Röyksopp - Something in My Heart

Here is the B-side to the excellent track "Running to the Sea" from Röyksopp.  It's called "Something in My Heart" and features Jamie from The Irrepressibles on vocal duties.  Beautiful!!

Rose Elinor Dougall - Future Vanishes

Beautiful new single from former Pipette Rose Elinor Dougall.  She's really distanced herself from that sugar pop and is making some beautiful music here.  The single is released in a couple days on YOU Records

Keep Shelly In Athens - Oostende

New video from Keep Shelly in Athens and it's for the lovely lovely song "Oostende" from their debut album "At Home"!!

Lily Allen - Hard Out Here

So so happy to see Lily Allen back with a new single!  Great video, great message, great song!!  BITCH!

Nina Persson - Animal Heart

One of the most beautiful voices in modern music, Nina Persson, is releasing a new solo album and this first single is GREAT!!!  The album is due in January 2014!!

White Lies - I Would Die 4 U

I am in love with this smooth cover of Prince's "I Would Die 4 U" by White Lies.  It is featured on their recently released and all-acoustic "Small TV" EP!!

update:  Jerky Prince had his people remove the original video but Ooberus-superfan Crystal found another video!  Scroll to the 1:00 minute mark for the song!

Logan Lynn - Tramp Stamps and Birthmarks

I haven't looked up Logan Lynn in a long time, but used to listen to him a lot a few years ago.  Turns out he released an album last year called "Tramp Stamps and Birthmarks".  This new video for the title track is quite kinky.

Everyday Mistakes - The Lack of Your Presence

I just found out that Everyday Mistakes released an album this year...their debut album!  I hadn't heard from them since their debut EP in 2005 ("A Melody I Just Made Up") and their fairly unknown demo ep in 2009 which is all songs from the new album and a Field Mice cover!!  I loved both and am super happy to hear there's finally an album.  It came out in March and is called "Obscure Lanes"!
BUT, the song I'm posting about is NOT from that album and is actually a NEW single they've just released!  In the vain of their music, it's very nice dark pop.

Jenny Wilson - The Future

New Jenny Wilson!!  From her album "Demand the Impossible!"  I'm quite digging the sound here, has a little bit of a punky vibe/delivery.

Leslie Hall - No Pants Policy

Leslie Hall is releasing a remix/mash-ups album this coming December and a tour to follow!!  Leslie Hall never disappoints and this is exciting news!!  Now take your pants off and get dowwwwwn!!!

The Magic Theatre - It Was Glorious

The Magic Theatre has ANOTHER new video and I am loving not only that they are releasing a new album ("The Long Way Home") this month, but that they're actually putting out videos...and releasing VINYL!!!  Thank you Elefant for helping make this happen.
To put it simply, "It Was  Glorious" is a glorious track about happy past times.  As with all their music, there is a universality in the lyrics that brings it right home and makes me smile in my heart.  Love.

Labyrinth Ear - Humble Bones + Amber

I just found Labyrinth Ear through a last.fm recommendation and I think I'm in love.  These songs came out last year on their "Apparitions EP" which is just synth-lovely.

Gesaffelstein - Hate or Glory

I was introduced to Gesaffelstein by Mijo Walter.  While I'm not normally drawn to instrumental electronic music, there's something here that pulls me in!  His debut album "Aleph" was released last week!

Dum Dum Girls - Lost Boys and Girls Club

Awesome new single/video from Dum Dum Girls!  The song is taken from their next album "Too True"  which comes out in January!

The Rosebuds - Where the Freaks Hang Out + Whisper

Two new "Halloween" tracks from two-time Ooberus "Album of the Year" winners The Rosebuds!  They really capture that perfect Rosebuds sound that I do love so much!

The Boy Least Likely To - Michael Collins

Super super cute video for the melancholy track "Michael Collins" off The Boy Least Likely To's excellent album "The Great Perhaps"!

Erasure - Gaudete

Here's the first video from Erasure's upcoming album "Snow Globe" and this is soooo much better than anything I was expecting.

Cars Can Be Blue - Monster

Just in time for Halloween, here is a nice "scary" treat from Cars Can Be Blue for new track "Monster" off their newest album "Trace the Tension"!

Young Galaxy - Privileged Poor

ANOTHER video from Young Galaxy!  And this is a kick ass video...they've all been this year!

Jay-Jay Johanson - I Miss You Most of All

I think this is already the FOURTH video from Jay-Jay Johanson's new album "Cockroach"!  Keep 'em comin' Jay-Jay!!

I Break Horses

I missed this recommendation from Ooberus-pal Mark a couple months ago, but I'm on it now!  These are two super songs from Swedish group I Break Horses!  Their sophomore album comes out in January!

The Hidden Cameras - Gay Goth Scene

Sad but touching video for the latest single from The Hidden Cameras called "Gay Goth Scene".  The Hidden Cameras have a new album due out soon called "Age"!
And to all bullies, stop being assholes!

Keep Shelly in Athens

Maybe we can convince Rockyboo's mom she wants to see Keep Shelly in Athens tonight for her birthday!  They're here in LA, and I love their new album "At Home"!

Martina Topley Bird feat. Mark Lanegan & Warpaint - Crystalised

Oooooh, lovely lovely cover featuring a lovely combination of lovely artists!!

GEMS - Pegasus

Dream pop beauty here from duo GEMS!!  Their debut EP "Medusa" is out next month!

Haerts - Wings

Here's some nice booming pop music from Facebook-promoted Haerts.  Their EP "Hemiplegia" was released earlier this month!

Ejecta

Ejecta is a new band and based on what I've heard from them (all below), I will love them very much.  "Dominae" is the name of their upcoming debut album.  Like I am about to do, you can order it here.

Woman's Hour - Darkest Place

Newest release from Woman's Hour (who I just discovered a few weeks ago!) and I LOVE IT!!

Soft Metals - On a Cloud

New video from Soft Metals off their even chillier sophomore album "Lenses".  I like how the video starts off with a very nice lipstick application tutorial and ventures into even stranger territory from there....

Sam and the Womp - Bom Bom

This is a song from last year, but in my office at work, we just discovered it last month.  We use this song to wake us up in the morning, or to lighten our mood and energize us when needed!
I don't know a thing about Sam and the Womp, but I know I love them for this song.  The video is quite a suitable match to it's craziness.

Cut Copy - Free Your Mind (Official Video)

Here is the Official Video for Cut Copy's new song "Free Your Mind", the title track from their upcoming album!
Plus, Alexander Skarsgård, yum!!! 

Cold Cave - Nausea, The Earth and Me

Loving this new song from Cold Cave.  The pulsing industrial energy is perfect for dancing!!  I'm not exactly sure if this is from an upcoming album or is just a single, but it doesn't matter...Let's shake!

Summer Camp - Two Chords

After receiving a crappy score today from the douches of Pitchfork, I feel it is time to shine my little light of love on top of Summer Camp and their GREAT new video for the song "Two Chords"!  The band has just released their lovely sophomore album "Summer Camp" and I must declare, I love it!

Ray Castle - Move It That Way

Showing support for one of my co-workers, Ray Castle!  This is his debut video and it comes from his upcoming EP "No Luv 4 Haters"!  I'm a little upset I wasn't asked to be one of the sexily-clad dancing girls, but I forgive him!  Enjoy!!

Geoffrey O'Connor - Jacqueline

Yayyyyy!!!  New Geoffrey O'Connor disco, 80's pop goodness!!  He's preparing a new album to be released in 2014!  Yayyyy!!!!

Hi-Fashion - Pupusa

YES YES YES!!  I soooo wanted this!  An awesome video for the awesome Hi-Fashion track "Pupusa" from their "You Are Gorgeous" EP!

Rainbow Chan - Fool's Gold

Rainbow Chan is back with a new video for another great track from her "Long Vacation" EP.
"Fool's Gold" is groovin'!

Jay-Jay Johanson - Hawkeye

After releasing what I like to call his worst song ever ("Dry Bones") as the 2nd single from new album "Cockroach", Jay-Jay Johanson is now taking us back to what he does oh so well.  "Hawkeye" is soft, hushed beauty.  Love it!

Orbit Service - A Painless End

Orbit Service opened for The Legendary Pink Dots last night and he was quite interesting.  Very moody, very emotional, very "goth" lyrically, quite beautiful.
There is some very nightmarish beauty in this song here, taken from the album "A Calm Note From the West".

Zipper - La casa rural

I have always loved Zipper's super cute Spanish punk pop!  Their new single is no exception!  POP!

Slayánce - The Film

This is total shameless self promotion, but we here at Ooberus Oblivious are in a new movie coming out next month!
It's called "Slayánce" and it is pretty damn amazing!  The film was directed by our amazing friend Walter Ortiz and stars a whole bunch of friends.  It's no-budget, but all awesomeness.
Here's the trailer and info on how you can attend our World Premiere Event!!

Postcards by Vistaprint

Puzzle - Girl

Just stumbled across this video early this morning through a YouTube follower and really dug its vibe.  Reminds me a lot of Craft Spells!
Looks like this is from Puzzle's early 2013 album called "No Structure"!   Seems he's just released ANOTHER new album this year called "Wonderful?".  Wow!

Pet Shop Boys - Thursday

So so so excited, it's less than a week away from Pet Shop Boys live!!!
Here's the new video for one of my fave songs from "Electric"!  It's being released as a single in November!

Jonathan Coulton - Still Alive

Very cute song with lovely theremin by Jonathan Coulton and a cast of stars, including Sara from Tegan and Sara!  The song is from his 2011 album "Artificial Heart", but it's NEW to me!

Cults - High Road

The new Cults album "Static" comes out in a couple weeks!  Here's "High Road"...it is dreamy and lovely...

The Irrepressibles - Always on My Mind

The Irrepressibles are getting ready to release their first EP in a string of 3, all due by next spring.  The first is called "Landscapes" and features this beautiful cover of "Always on My Mind".

Molly Nilsson - Going Places

Sadly we missed Molly Nilsson playing here in LA a couple weeks ago, but I got my beautiful spiral picture disc of "The Travels" the same week and that more than made up for it!
Here's a nice little travel video Molly has compiled for the track "Going Places"...

Charli XCX - SuperLove

Yayyy Charli XCX is already getting ready to release a new album ("True Romance" from earlier this year is great!) and she is already sharing a new song/video!
"SuperLove" is super fun!!

Young Galaxy - Sleepwalk With Me

Lucky me!  I get to see Silver Swans and Young Galaxy play a show together in a couple days!
Here is Young Galaxy's most recent video which I believe is already the 4th from their excellent new album "Ultramarine"!

Silver Swans - Sea of Love

One of my most anticipated releases of the year is Silver Swans' new album "Touch"!
"Sea of Love" is the first single and here is its sexy-time video!

Band à part - Franny y tú

I am in a video!!  My cameo is at 1:46 in my grey shirt and 3D glasses watching Woog Riots!  Rocky-boo and our friend Amanda are there too!
I love this video and song a lot, and now knowing I am in the video, I love it that much more!
"Franny y tú" is the latest single released by super-cute Spanish group Band à part!

Giorgio Tuma with Laetitia Sadier - Anna, My Dear

Giorgio Tuma and Laetitia Sadier have made one of hell of a beautiful song and the accompanying video is just as beautiful!  I am completely in love!  The song is being given away FREE over at the Elefant webpage.

Solange - Lovers in the Parking Lot

I've already gotten in trouble a couple times for saying Solange is much better than her sister, but I'm sorry people, the truth hurts!  After seeing her perform at this year's FYF, it is even more apparent!
Solange's new EP "True" was produced by Blood Orange (I found this out when I was preparing yesterday's post) and this is a track from said EP.  I love it!  And I love the video!  And I love Solange!  YESOLANGE!!!

Blood Orange - Chamakay

Blood Orange released his new single "Chamakay" last week.  It's quite lovely and features the superb Caroline Polachek (from Charlift) helping out with vocal duties.

Au Revoir Simone - Crazy

This is the 2nd single from Au Revoir Simone's new album "Move in Spectrums", out this week!
The video for "Crazy is a mini-remake of the 1985 Scorcese film "After Hours".

Client - You Can Dance

It has been a long time since we've heard anything from electropop darlings Client!  They're back with a new line-up, including a new singer!  Their new album is called "Authority" and I imagine we'll see that before year's end!

Scott Matthew - I Wanna Dance with Somebody

Scott Matthew released "Unlearned" in June of this year.  So glad I picked it up in London this summer.  It is a beautiful new album of cover songs.  This is one of the best in my opinion and this video is the perfect match!

DIANA - Perpetual Surrender

I have been meaning to post about DIANA for some time now after hearing their beautiful debut album "Perpetual Surrender".  Dive in to the beauty here with the title track...

Bloodgroup - Nothing Is Written in the Stars

A nice creepy video for the Elysian Fields-esque & by far most moody track from Bloodgroup's latest, "Tracing Echoes"...

Natasha Khan & Jon Hopkins - Garden's Heart

I'm really not a fan of Jon Hopkins' solo work, but paired with the beautiful vocals of Bat for Lashes siren Natasha Khan, it all works magically.



There's also this haunting cover of Q Lazzarus' "Silence of the Lambs" hit, "Goodbye Horses" done with Hayden Thorpe from Wild Beasts.



My advice for Jon Hopkins...COLLABORATE!!!

VANESSA

I discovered Vanessa just last week.  Vanessa is amazing.  Vanessa is beautiful.  Vanessa is LOVE!  Vanessa made amazing pop music in the early 80s.  Vanessa's real name is Cornelia Witteman and she has also recorded under the name "Conny" for a 2010 jazz album!  She has very quickly become one of my favourite artists of all time.  Vanessa is POP genius!!!
Watch these videos and prepare to fall deep in love...

Lush - 500 (Shake Baby Shake)

HAPPY 500th POSTING to OOBERUS OBLIVIOUS!!!
That's the 2nd landmark number this year for my little blog.  I hope my deep love & passion of music has passed on to all who've read and I can't wait until post 1,000!!
Love.

Woman's Hour - To the End / Our Love Has No Rhythm

Gorgeous & smoooooth pop from London-based Woman's Hour.  I played these songs and fell in love immediately.

Julia Holter - This Is a True Heart

Pop gorgeousness!!  Love it!!
The track is from Julia Holter's latest album "Loud City Song".

Shadow Shadow - 1000001

Here's some nice cinematic epic synth pop out of Sweden!
Shadow Shadow released their debut album "Riviera" on Ingrid in June.

Puscifer - Bohemian Rhapsody (feat. Dina Martina)

Puscifer released an EP way early in the year called "Donkey Punch the Night" and this is the opening track.  It's a pretty straight forward cover BUT what makes it sooooooooo amazing is this amazing video featuring superstar Dina Martina!!  I have not laughed this hard at a music video in a very very very very long time.  And I really needed it!  Thank you Puscifer and Thank you Dina!

SISU - Harpoons

SISU is releasing their new album entitled "Blood Tears" next week.
"Harpoon" is a nice guitar-centric track that gently works its way into your brain through love repetition and a killer sneaky keyboard riff.

King of Spain - Basement Fires

Just found King of Spain a few moments ago and instantly fell in love with this laid back groovy pop song!  They just released their 2nd album "All I Did Was Tell Them the Truth and They Thought It Was Hell" last
month!

Arcade Fire - Reflektor

LOVE LOVE LOVING this new track & corresponding video for the new Arcade Fire track "Reflektor"!  James Murphy's hand is of course at the forefront and it sounds amazing.  I look forward to the hearing the rest of this album as this new direction is a surprising treat!  The new album comes out at the end of October.

They Might Be Giants - You're on Fire

TMBG's newest video is quite disturbing, mostly because of the singing, raw ground beef.  Being a vegetarian, I am so in love with the guitar-playing, horn-blowing broccoli!  Too cute!!

The Fashion Focus - Perfect Memory

The Fashion Focus is a delightful local band headed by friend of Ooberus Oblivious Brian Young!  His new video for the song "Perfect Memory" from his debut album "The World Outside" features none other than Ooberus-love Rockyboo playing some mean bass & synths!  Here at Ooberus Oblivious, we hope to see The Fashion Focus play live soon!  Just sayin'....

Margaret Berger - Human Race

NEW MARGARET BERGER!!  Yesssssssssss!!

Only a lyric video for now, but oh joy, this is good!

Her new album "Chastisement" is due out sometime this year!

Woog Riots - We Are Not Houston

WOW!  Love this new video from Woog Riots!  This may just be my current video of the year!  Rubber duckies, Batman, and disco necklaces/fingernails!!  What more could you ask for??  "We Are Not Houston" comes from their latest album "From Lo-Fi to Disco!"

Tim & Adam - So Much More

Gorgeous pop from Tim & Adam who released their debut self-titled album in May!  Tim is none other than Tim Yehezkely of Ooberus-favourite The Postmarks!  So lovely!!  I've missed her voice.

Jeremy Jay - Covered in Ivy

Here's a new track from silky smooth voiced Jeremy Jay!  The single was just released on K Records and precedes Jay's upcoming new album "Abandoned Apartments" due out in November!

Goldfrapp - Annabel

Beautiful, brooding video from Goldfrapp for the track "Annabel" from the upcoming album "Tales of Us".
I love videos like this; ones that tell a story, where you need to turn off all other stimuli and just absorb the emotion and message.  Very beautiful.

Still Corners - Fireflies (video)

I posted about "Fireflies" last year when Still Corners released it as a limited 7" single.  It was also one of my best songs of 2012.  The track is on their latest album "Strange Pleasures" and is still a highlight.
Here's its dreamy new video...

Hot Natured feat. Róisín Murphy - Alternate State

I don't know who Hot Natured is but they do feature Róisín Murphy on this awesome track from their new album "Different Sides of the Sun" which comes out tomorrow!!  Must look into them now!!

Pale - Too Much

Just discovered Pale through friend Mark's recommendation of Astral Pattern (featured yesterday).  After just these 2 songs, I'm in love.  They don't have a lot of output but I will anxiously be awaiting more!

Astral Pattern - Sitting in the Sun

Here is some dreampop magical synth loveboogie!
Astral Pattern are from London and they dig Kraftwerk.  Their former band was called S.C.U.M. but I haven't heard them yet!  Maybe I should because Astral Pattern's debut EP "Light Poems" (released last month on 37 Adventures) is AMAZING!!

Annie - Back Together

YES YES YES!!  "A&R EP" by Annie collaborating with Richard X is near perfection!  "Back Together" isn't even the best song from the EP but it is soooo damn goooood!!  The whole thing is soooo damn good!!
And I love how this video sneaks in Mannie's track "Invisible" in the #5 spot on the countdown!  "Invisible" is the best track on the EP!!

Belle and Sebastian - Your Cover's Blown (Miaoux Miaoux Mix)

Taken from Belle and Sebastian's new B-sides compilation "The Third Eye Centre", this is a great remix of an already fantastic song!!
Sissy boo Crystal, Happy Birthday Month!!

CHER - Woman's World

Yes, that's right...I just had to because it's CHER BITCHES!!!

Porcelain Raft - The Way Out

Porcelain Raft has returned with his sophomore album "Permanent Signal" released last week.  "The Way Out" is one of the many lovely tracks and its video is quite dark & superb.

Richard Simmons - Hair Do

Richard Simmons has had a bit of a resurgence in the past couple years, not that he ever truly disappeared.  Now he's making music!  This video is hilarious!  My favourite moment happens at the 2:28 mark!  Perfection!

Dispositivo Sueños - It Seems Perfect

Dispositivo Sueños are from Peru!  They are awesome!  I love their debut EP "Cotton Clouds" and their live EP "En vivo para BarrioBEAT"!  I want more!!

Mood Rings - The Line

While Mood Rings' debut album "VPI Harmony" may venture a bit too much into shoegazey territory for me to deeply love, it's still a pretty good album.  "The Line" sits right in the middle of the album and is a piece of pure pop perfection!

Psychic Twin - Strangers

Dreamy synth-pop lovebugs Psychic Twin truly warm my ears!  They've only released a couple singles thus far, but I'm sure there is an album coming soon...an album we will all dance to!

Emilíana Torrini - Speed of Dark

It's been 5 years since Emilíana Torrini released the excellent "Me and Armini".  But alas, she is back with a new album called "Tookah" and it is coming out in a few short weeks on Rough Trade!
Our first sampling here is mighty fine!!

The Bronson Brothers - 1970

The Bronson Brothers released "1970" as a single last week.  It is summer pop goodness!!  Hopefully we'll get a new album soon!

The Boy Least Likely To - The Dead Dogs' Memorial Song

Not only have The Boy Least Likely To released a fantastic new album this year, they are also doing songs for charity!  They recorded this new song for their radio host friends, who wrote the song in honor of their listeners' dogs who had passed.  The song is super cute if not just a little macabre, but that is totally why we love The Boy Least Likely To!  They are masters of the craft!
The song is available for purchase on iTunes and all proceeds go to The Dog's Trust.

New Young Pony Club - Hard Knocks (video)

I posted about "Hard Knocks", the latest single from New Young Pony Club back in early July.  Now they've just released the video for it and it's pretty great!

Week of Wonders - Piggybacks

So sad to hear of Orca Team's break-up, but very nice to see that their lead singer has already formed a delicious new band known as Week of Wonders!  They've already released the "Failures" EP and now their new single "Piggybacks" is freshly released on Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records!
I had a great fetish for piggyback rides back in high school and this song title certainly brings back good memories!

Summer Camp - Fresh

Summer Camp are releasing their self-titled sophomore album next month and this is the first single, "Fresh".
PLUS, BEST LYRIC VIDEO EVER!!

Erlend Øye - La Prima Estate

So nice to see that Erlend Øye is back with a solo album!  While I like Kings of Convenience, I've always been much more impressed with his solo work!  This first single is the title track from his upcoming album and is sung entirely in Italian!  Nice.

Empress Of - Hat Trick

The beautifully voiced Empress Of released her "Systems" EP earlier this year.  "Hat Trick" is the lead track and I've included it 2 ways, for your listening pleasure...very pretty!!

Outfit - Performance

Just discovered Outfit and that their debut album "Performance" was just released yesterday.
Here are a couple of very nice samples taken from the album which I must definitely buy now!

Jessie Ware - Imagine It Was Us

Fun party time with Jessie Ware for one of the bonus tracks from the US release of her excellent album  "Devotion"!  She is such a delight!

Oh Land - Renaissance Girls

Yay for the return of Oh Land!  Her upcoming album is called "Wish Bone" and this is the new single!  Very fun all around!  The album comes out in late September.

Prince Innocence - Golden Hour

Prince Innocence are another awesome synth pop band out of Canada!  LOVE!

Lace Curtain - Falling

What is this deliciousness??  It is Lace Curtain's latest single "Falling"...ohhhh yummy!!  The single was released in June on Mexican Summer.

Austra - Painful Like

Austra were awfully good at Latitude Festival a couple weeks ago, playing right before the amazing Ooberus-favourite iamamiwhoami.
They played "Painful Like" and it sounded awesome live.



This is turning into "O Canada" week!

Sally Dige - Forget Me

Discovered Sally Dige whilst looking through Terror Bird's Facebook posts, and I am so glad I did.  This is lovely 80's-tinged electro rock!  Sally is releasing "Forget Me" as a 7" single at the end of the month.  Limited edition, I must have!

Terror Bird - The Wrong Way

Terror Bird is awesome!  And it looks like she's friends with Molly Nilsson!!  Double oooh-oooh!

She has recently released her third album "All This Time" and it is good!  I will be delving into her back catalog very soon!

(Shout out to my just returned long-lost cyber buddy Mark for the awesome tip!!)

And here is an awesome collaboration between Terror Bird and Cyan Kid called "Seven Mirrors" from their joint album "Cut-Outs"!

Maglia Rosa Group - Nighthawks

Maglia Rosa Group were a surprise highlight for us at Latitude Festival a couple weeks ago.  As we entered the festival on Saturday, the first stage we came across had lovely music pouring from behind the trees so we scurried over and found MRG playing.  Oh that voice, so lovely!  The rest of their set was just as good as what we heard at the beginning and I look forward to more loveliness from them in the near future!  You can get their "Nighthawks" EP over at Bandcamp.

Au Revoir Simone - Somebody Who

Au Revoir Simone are returning with a new album next month, their first in 4 years.  The track is lovely and full of synth pop gentleness!  The album is called "Move in Spectrums" and will be out on 9/23!

Cut Copy - Let Me Show You

Here's an excellent new treat from Cut Copy!  They pressed a few of these to vinyl at the Pitchfork Music Festival last month.  It's from their upcoming album, for which no details are yet to be found.

Woog Riots - From Lo-Fi to Disco!

Yay for new Woog Riots!  They've just released their fun new album "From Lo-Fi to Disco!" and this is it's lead-off track.
We got to see Woog Riots live at Indietracks last weekend and they were AWESOME!  Great story afterwards too:  When I went to buy all their albums, I mentioned that none of their music could be found here in the US.  Silvana then said that some guy in LA sometimes blogs about them and I said "Ooberus Oblivious?" and she said YES!!  So, Ooberus Oblivious has been randomly recognized in person by an awesome band!  Awesomeness!!

The Magic Theatre - I Got the Answer

Oddly, this is only my 2nd post on Ooberus Oblivious about either The Magic Theatre or Ooberman (from whom the name of this blog is derived).  Considering combined, they are my favourite musical acts, that's a bit odd.
Now that I am fresh back from vacation and starting the posts back up, it is supremely befitting to start with The Magic Theatre's new video for their 2nd album's first single "I Got the Answer"!  This is sunshine pop perfection and life-affirming magic!  I can bounce to this chorus for days.
On a side note, just this past Saturday, I was present for The Magic Theatre's first official gig at Indietracks in Derbyshire.  Needless to say, they were amazing and I hope they play more shows soon.
Their 2nd album "The Long Way Home" is due for an October release on the awesome Elefant Records.

Ólafur Arnalds - This Place Was a Shelter

Ólafur Arnalds gave us a beautiful show at the Masonic Lodge last Friday.  Love love love his music.  Such emotion, such beauty!!

Goldfrapp - Drew

I've heard good things about what Goldfrapp posts on their Instagram and based on the imagery of this video, I can now see why.  Very beautiful.  The new album "Tales of Us" comes out in early September.